Communication in Nursing

Study Notes

Communication is pivotal for exchanging ideas, concepts, thoughts, facts, opinions, and emotions.
In nursing, communication facilitates meaningful relationships with patients and families, allowing for data assessment, education, and intervention.
Therapeutic communication is crucial for achieving patients' health-related goals.

Communication involves exchanging information using symbols, signs, or behaviors.
It is the act of giving, receiving, and sharing information.
It's the process of transferring information.

Intrapersonal Communication (Self Talk): Communication with oneself, including positive and negative self-talk.
Interpersonal Communication: Communication between two people.
Small Group Communication: Communication within a limited group, such as a nursing or healthcare team.
Public Communication: Interaction with an audience in a public setting, such as a public speaking event or press conference.
Mass Communication: Communication to a large audience, such as a community awareness program or participation in seminars/conferences.
Electronic Communication: Use of technology for ongoing patient and healthcare team interaction, like telemedicine/telenursing and video appointments.

Sender: The originator of a message.
Encoding: Translating an idea into words.
Message: The content of communication, including verbal and nonverbal expressions.
Channel: The medium used to send and receive messages (e.g., visual, auditory, tactile).
Receiver: The recipient of the message.
Interpersonal variables: Factors influencing communication within the sender and receiver.
Environment: The setting for sender-receiver interaction.
Feedback: The response to the message or communication received.

Courtesy: Being polite and respectful, including greeting patients, addressing them by name, introducing oneself, and using "please" and "thank you."
Use of Names: Referring to patients by name instead of their diagnosis or room number.
Trustworthiness: Demonstrating warmth, consistency, honesty, confidentiality, competence, and respect to build trust.
Autonomy and Responsibility: Promoting independence and advocating for others, while being responsible for one's actions and respecting patients' autonomy.
Assertiveness: Expressing feelings and ideas confidently without judging others.

Dynamic: Communication is ongoing and constantly evolving.
Irreversible: Once a message is sent, it cannot be taken back.
No Opposite: Communication is involuntary, even silence conveys a message.
Culturally Influenced: Communication is shaped by cultural norms.
Ethically Influenced: Ethical values influence communication practices.
Competence-Based: Effective communication requires skill and expertise.
Transformed by Media and Technology: Technology plays a significant role in communication.

Physiological: Factors like memory problems, lack of attention, hearing deficits, poor listening skills, information overload, and gender differences.
Environmental: Factors such as loud noise, uncomfortable settings, extreme temperatures, and spacing.
Psychological: Factors like distrust, emotional disturbance, mental illness, fear, and anxiety.
Social: Factors including differences in social norms, values, social taboos, and status.
Cultural: Factors related to religious and cultural differences.
Semantic: Factors like language barriers.
Communication Related: Factors including conflicting messages, inappropriate channels, and poor feedback.

Clarity of Message: Ensuring the message is clear and understandable.
Two-Way Communication: Encouraging open communication and feedback.
Adequacy and Completeness: Providing sufficient and relevant information.
Consistency: Maintaining consistency in communication.
Timing: Communicating at an appropriate time.
Appropriate Language: Using language that is understandable and appropriate for the audience.
Good Listener: Engaging in active listening and paying attention to nonverbal cues.
Simple Language: Using clear and straightforward language.
Control over Emotions: Managing emotions to avoid emotional outbursts.
Avoiding Information Overload: Providing information gradually and in manageable chunks.
Appropriate Channel: Selecting the most suitable means of communication for the message and audience.